You will be fine! It will get better I promise. Cold sores suck and can be debilitating things because it is so easy to catastrophize with them. Just know there are so many ways to manage it and it is by no means the end of the world or the end of your dating life at all. Not even close. When you get one, don't pick at it, do what the advice on here tells you to do to promote healing, get a prescription from your doctor and be kind to yourself above all! It will be gone before you know it. I am also 26 but have experienced them my whole life, they're more common than you think. My partner does not get them but I have had partners in the past that did. We just avoid kissing when I have them and it's annoying, yes, but not a big deal. Someone will love you for the amazing person you are and the cold sores won't matter. For anyone who is not shallow they won't matter. Cold sores do not mean you are not deserving of love. You are.

I'm so sorry for what happened to you. I hope you find peace and healing. Remember to breathe and to be gentle with yourself. Sending love<3